DOHA: France’s bid to retain the World Cup continues against Poland on Sunday, while England’s pursuit of a first major trophy in 56 years will be tested by African champions Senegal.
Didier Deschamps’ French side are aiming to become the first team to win successive World Cups since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 after winning Group D in Qatar.
Led by electric Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe, the French are heavy favourites to progress past Poland at Doha’s Al Thumama Stadium.
But in a World Cup packed with shocks like the group-stage exits of Germany and Belgium, subduing Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski is the key to France avoiding another upset.
Poland’s all-time leading scorer will be hoping to add to his meagre World Cup tally of one goal against France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who is set to make his 142nd international appearance and equal Lilian Thuram as Les Bleus’ most-capped player.
France captain Lloris praised both Lewandowski and his Polish counterpart Wojciech Szczesny, who has starred with two superb penalty saves which were crucial to his team finishing second in Group C.
“Lewandowski has been one of the best number nines in the world for years now but they are a good side collectively,” said Lloris.
“Szczesny is a having a fantastic tournament, Poland owe their place in the last 16 to their goalkeeper.”
If France see off Poland, their path towards the World Cup final on December 18 could include a quarter-final showdown against England.
Gareth Southgate’s team are slated to meet France in the last eight if they beat Senegal at Al Bayt Stadium.
England reached the semi-finals four years ago and finished runners-up at Euro 2020, and got off to a fine start in Qatar by winning Group B.
And they believe they can win the tournament in Qatar to finally end their agonising wait for a first major trophy since the 1966 World Cup.
“That is not being over-confident, that is being humble enough to see what goes on in our training and how the staff prepare, and believing in ourselves too,” said England defender John Stones.
Rocked by the loss to injury of talisman Sadio Mane before the tournament, Senegal reached the World Cup knockout stage for only the second time after Tuesday’s 2-1 win against Ecuador secured the runners-up spot in Group A.
“We are capable of beating anyone and we need to be convinced of that,” said Senegal assistant coach Regis Bogaert.
Off the pitch, Arsene Wenger, FIFA’s football development chief, suggested on Sunday that the teams who have been successful in the tournament were those who ignored the controversies surrounding hosts Qatar.
Germany’s players covered their mouths before their opening game in a protest against the ban on wearing a rainbow-themed armband in support of LGBTQ rights.
The four-time world champions were later knocked out at the first hurdle.
“The teams (who did well) as well who were mentally ready, who had the mindset to focus on the competition and not on political demonstrations,” said Wenger.
Messi magic
On Saturday, Lionel Messi helped Argentina line up a quarter-final clash with the Netherlands, comfortable 3-1 winners over the USA, with a goal and a classy performance in an unexpectedly nervy 2-1 win over Australia.
Messi got Argentina rolling on an emotional evening in front of massed ranks of boisterous fans with his 789th goal in his 1,000th career appearance, his first ever in a World Cup knockout tie.
“I know the effort they are making to be here with us and I know how much they enjoyed it,” said Messi of his team’s passionate supporters.
“There is a bond we have – it is something beautiful, it is what the national team should be.”
Australia exited the tournament with heads held high after equalling their best ever World Cup performance by reaching the last 16.
“Hopefully what we’ve achieved can put Australian football on the map and help the game grow,” said forward Craig Goodwin.
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